One Word at a Time: The Use of Single Word Utterances before Syntax (Janua Linguarum. Series Minor, 154)

This book is wonderful! Like so many children, Isadora is shy at first but bursting to share a dance with her friends. Her loving grandmother teaches her the hora at her cousin’s wedding, (depicted in beautiful detail), and soon Isadora’s feet are flying as she teaches it to the other students in her dance class. This is a multi-generational tale with characters diverse in every way and a warm sense of community. The writing is full of joyful spirit and the illustrations are lovely. A perfect gift for a little one!

I read this recently to my six-year-old granddaughter and we were both enchanted. We are not Jewish but enjoyed learning about the Hora and traditional wedding dance, and how Isadora shares her Jewish culture with her dance class. The theme of learning dances from different cultures is such an empowering idea for young children. Plus the lyrical language makes the book very fun to read out loud!

The note for families at the end of this book says it all: “We all have our own ways to shine. When we follow our passions, we can feel joy and bring light into the world. Isadora is happiest when she’s dancing”. You can feel the joy that movement brings as the story unfolds.While the story incorporates Jewish values of tradition, family, and community it is a story for everybody. It's a simple story of a little girl who loves to dance and whose energetic Grandma teaches her the dance, the Hora, that she will share with her dance classmates.In the process we get to attend a joyful wedding and watch Isadora shine. When she shows the dance to her class everyone gets into the act. This is a truly heartwarming and joyful tale.The book is beautifully written and the illustrations complement the story

This charming and beautifully illustrated book will make readers dance around with joy. Told in first person, Isadora wants to find her own dance to share with her friends in dance school. Lucy does the hip-hop to the boom boom music, Mateo can tango and Chloe tap tap on her toes. But what could Isadora share?Everything changes when she and Grandma attend cousin Rachel’s wedding.I love the way the story evolves with beautiful descriptions and illustrations of a Jewish wedding, complete with chuppah, delicious food, fancy wedding cake with bride and groom ornament on top, and of course, the traditional Jewish dance—the Hora.This is a heart-warming story where Grandma is depicted as a spunky white-hair lady who loves to dance, rather than an old lady in round glasses.Even though Isadora attends a Jewish wedding, the other guests are depicted as a diverse group.The Hora dancing scenes will make you want to join in the circle, kick your feet and twirl around.Dance the Hora Isadora celebrates tradition, family and Jois de Vivre.Highly recommended for schools, libraries, families and of course—dancing schools.

This is an adorable story about a little girl who loves to dance. Isadora and Grandma share the joy of dance when Grandma teaches her the Hora at a family wedding. Isadora then shares what she learned with her dance class . The Hora becomes quite a hit.The illustrations fit the story perfectly showing the joy shared by the characters as they show their passion for danceLittle ones will be able to learn about a Jewish wedding tradition, as well as, see how generations bond. Sharing what you do well builds self esteem.Have fun reading this story to the precious ones in your life!Elaine

Dance the Hora, Isadora is an uplifting story that highlights culture and tradition through a colorful and fresh lens. Relatable on so many levels, it's impossible not to smile while getting to know Isadora and learning how she influences her classmates. The writing and illustrations are both beautiful and whimsical, inspiring readers to put on their own dancing shoes!To me, the Hora is all about inclusivity and this story stays true to this message.

I loved all the joy in this story, from Isadora's love of her dancing lessons to the wonderful wedding scenes, and Isadora's warm relationship with her grandma. I enjoyed it even more on the second reading when I could appreciate the way the author focused in on the important details and how the illustrations added to the spirit of the text. A winner!

This book is delightful! It is a charming tale about a little girl who finds her own way to shine by embracing her culture. Too many kids’ books are a slog for the grown ups who have to read them too, but not this one. Kids, and kids at heart, will thoroughly enjoy Isadora’s journey of discovery.